Mechanical musical instrument.



- v 42 #jh P. B. KIUGH.

MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED DEC-10.1910.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

P. B. KLUGH.

MECHANICAL MUSlCAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED DEC- 10. 1910.

1,21 5,548. Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

v M 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2- i ii -32 May P. B. KLUGH.

MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED DEC- 10, 1910.

1 ,2 1 5,548. Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PAUL B. KLUGH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO THE CABLE COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

MECHANICAL MUSICAL- INSTRUMENT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PAUL B. KLUGH', a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Mechanical Musical Instruments, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to mechanical musical instruments and especially to a type of instrument known as a player piano or piano player.

The invention relates more especially to the mechanism for operating, controlling and manipulating the traveling music sheet, and its object is to provide simple, practical and effective mechanism of this general character.

In one arrangement herein set forth for carrying out the invention, I arrange for the movement of substantially the entire mechanism more directly concerned in advancing and rewinding the music sheet. For example, where, as is usually the case, the music sheet is advanced and rewound by means of suitable music rolls and apneumatic motor, I arrange for the bodily shifting movement of such rolls and motor and cooperating connections, and in the present embodiment of the invention this shifting movement occurs in a direction lengthwise of the tracker board, or in other words, laterally or transversely of the direction of movement of the. music sheet. Thus by shifting these instrumentalities or devices certain desired results can be obtained, as for example, in the arrangement mentioned, the music sheet can be shifted laterally so as to bring about the proper trackage of the music sheet, or a transposin action of the 'same, and this can be accomp ished with facility and advantage.

Suitable provision can be made to accommodate the shifting movement of the motor, and also to produce and control the movement of the entire mechanism.

In another arrangement, I show the motor stationary, illustrating the ability to use part of the general mechanism in this other arrangement.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a yiew of the portion of a player piano or piano player more directly involved in the present invention, said figure showing the music rolls, the traveling music sheet, the pneumatic motor and the connections for the latter and associated devices.

Figs. 2 and 3 are vertical sections taken on lines and 33, respectively in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 IS a view similar to Fig. 1, on an enlarged scale, of a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a view of a detail of construction of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4.

Referring to the drawings, the traveling music sheet 1 is shown mounted upon the music spool or roll 2 and take-up roll 3. The spools 2 and 3 are mounted upon rotary spindles or are in turn mounted in bearings on the arms 66 and 7-7 of a shifting frame, preferably of metallic construction. The side arms 77 of this shifting frame, are extended at 88 downwardly and forwardly and are engaged at their lower forward ends by a forwardly positioned cross rod 9, which I shall term herein the shifting rod, be-.

cause of its shifting function as will be hereinafter more fully pointed out.

The spindles 4 and 5 are desirably provided with governor wheels 10 and 11, respectively, to produce a more uniform rotation.

The rod 9 is provided with a small screwthreaded portion 12 and a thumb nut 13 engages this screw-threaded portion and fits in a slot formed at the bottom 14 of the music box 15. Thus by turning this thumb nut or wheel 13 the rod 9 will be shifted in one direction or the other, according to the direction of rotation of the nut 13, and the shifting frame carrying the music spools will also be shifted and will move or shift the music rolls laterally or crosswise of the direction of motion of the music sheet 1, thus producing a movement of the music sheet relatively to the tracker board.

The pneumatic motor 16 for advancing and rewinding the music sheet 1 is shown in the drawings at the right hand side of the music sheet and rolls, (Fig. 1). This motor is also arranged for bodily shifting movement to one side or the other, being to such end mounted upon wheels or rollers 17 which are arranged to travel upon a track shafts 4 and 5, and these 18, suitably mounted upon a shelf or support forming part of the instrument. As a convenient arrangement for shifting the motor 16 and for bringing this about simultaneously with the shifting movement of the music spools, as is desired for certain purposes, the rod 9 is extended to the motor and secured thereto by means of a bracket 20 on the lower left hand corner of the motor. Thus the movement of the shift rod 9 by the thumb wheel 18 will cause a movement of the motor to one side or the other corresponding to the shifting movement of the music spools and music sheet.

The driving mechanism for driving the music'rolls by the motor conveniently embodies a sprocket chain 21, connecting the driving shaft 22 of the motor with a cross shaft 23, and a second sprocket chain 2%, connecting said shaft 23 with the spindle of the music roll 2. There is also a clutch on the shaft 23, controlling a pinion 26 adapted to mesh with a gear 27 on the takeup roll spindle 5. Thus the forward or playing movement of the music sheet is accomplished by the mechanism in the condition in which it is shown in the drawings, the motor driving the sprocket chain 21, and the shaft 23 causing the pinion to turn the gear wheel 27.

W hen, however, the clutch 25 is actuated by moving it to the right hand side (Fig. 1), it causes driving the spindle 5 and instead to drive the spindle f by reason of the sprocket chain 24:, and this direct action brings about a quick rewind action. The control of the clutch 25 to cause either the advance or rewind of the music sheet is brought about by a pneumatic 28, connected by a rod 29 with the clutch 25. A pneumatic tube 30 extends to the pneumatic 28, so that said pneumatic 28 can be controlled by suitable mechanism controlling wind pressure in the tube 30, it being understood that such mechanism is conveniently located, where desirable, for useby the operator of the instrument.

The shifting frame for the music spools and motor, is preferably, in the arrangement shown, further and more rigidly connected together by means of a long rod 31, extending from the left hand side of the shifting frame to the right hand end of the motor, and secured to said frame and the motor, and sliding through a metal plate 32 on the music box structure. Arms 33 and 3+9: extend between this rod 31 and the spindle t and shaft 23, forming supports and bearings for the same. The motor is provided with a pneumatic tube 36 in the usual way.

'1 is accommodated or taken up by the flexibility of the tubesbO and 86,

the shaft 23 to discontinue he movement of the shifting structure In Figs. 4c and 5 I show modified arrangement in which the frame carrying the music rolls is shifted as set forth in connection with the previous construction, but

in which the motor is not so shifted. In this arrangement the driving mechanism between the motor and music rolls is substantially the same as that of the preceding arrangement, thereby illustrating the ability of said driving mechanism to be used either in case there is relative movement between the motor and rolls or not.

in this arrangement of Figs. a and 5, the same general construction of music rolls 2 and 3 and shifting frame 4.8 as in the other arrangement, is also shown, as is also the same general type of motor 16, and the same driving mechanism 21-27. lhe spool carrying frame is also in this modification arranged for shifting movement by a rod 9, but this rod doesnot extend to the motor as in the other arrangement, but terminates at its connection with the right hand bar or side arm 8, as well shown in Fig. al. A rod 31 is to some extent a counterpartof the rod 31, but the rod 31 does not extend to the motor, terminating at the arms 333+L. The motor in the arrangement being described, is suitably mounted in a fixed position. The driving mechanism between the motor and rolls is controlled by a rod 29 and a pneumatic previously described and set forth in connection withthe former arrangement, but not shown in Fig! 4.

it will be seen that in this arrangement the shifting movement of the rolls carrying the music sheet can be brought about as previously described by turning the thumb wheel 13 and that this shifting movement will be taken up by the sprocket chain 21. It will be further seen that the rewind mechr anism will be controlled by rod 29 and pneumatic 28, as previously set forth, and that this mechanism will operate properly no matter what the position of the music rolls in shifting adjustment may be, the change in movement being provided for by the pneumatic 28.

It will thus be seen that the results accomplished as above set forth can be effectively and advantageously brought about and that the mechanism by which it is accomplished is simple, efiicient and easily operated. Y

lit will be understood that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What if claim is:

1. An instrument of the class specified having a music sheet propelling motor mounted for bodily shifting movement longitudinally of the tracker board.

2. An instrument of the class specified, having a tracker board and a music sheet propelling motor mounted for rectilinear shifting movement longitudinally of the tracker board.

3. An instrument of the class specified, having a tracker board, a music propelling motor mounted for shifting movement in a direction longitudinally of the tracker board, and means for bringing about a relative movement between the music sheet and tracker board.

4. An instrument of the class specified having a tracker board, a motor mounted for bodily shifting movement and a carrier for the music rolls also mounted for bodily shifting movement relatively to the tracker board, and means for bringing about a simultaneous shifting movement on the part of the motor and said carrier.

5. The combination with the music spools of a tracker board, a motor arranged at one side of the music spools, the music spools and motor being shiftable in a di rection lengthwise of the tracker board, and driving mechanism between the motor and music spools, shiftable with the music spools and motor.

6. The combination with the music spools if a tracker board, a motor arranged at one side of the musicspools, the music spools and motor being shiftable in a direction lengthwise of the tracker board, and driving mechanism between the motor and music spools, shiftable with the music spools and motor, and means for shifting the aforesaid instrumentalities.

7. An instrument of the class specified having a music sheet propelling motor mounted for movement relatively to the tracker and in a direction lengthwise thereof.

8. The combination with the music carrying devices of a tracker board, a motor and driving mechanism between the motor and music carrying devices, the latter and the driving mechanism and the motor driving shaft being movable relatively to and longitudinally of the tracker board.

9. The combination with the music carrying devices of a tracker board, a motor and driving mechanism between the motor and said devices, said mechanism including means for reversing the direction of movement of the music sheet, said devices and the driving mechanism being carried by a shifting frame which is shiftable relatively to and lengthwise of the tracker board.

10. The combination with the music carrying devices of a tracker board, a motor and driving mechanism between the motor and said devices, the latter and the driv ing. mechanism being carried by a shifting frame which is shiftable relatively to and lengthwise of the tracker board, and a shifting rod with a thumb nut for shifting said frame or carrier.

11. An instrument of the class specified having a music sheet propelling motor ar- 14. The combination with the musicspools and motor of driving mechanism for the same, a tracker board, the music spools being mounted on a frame shiftable longitudinally of the tracker board, the driving mechanism being also mounted upon the said shifting frame, a sliiftable rod/connected with said shifting frame and said motor, which latter is also mounted for movement relatively o the tracker board, and a connection between said frame and motor.

7 15. The combination with the music spools of a fixed frame or box, a shiftable frame for said spools mounted in said box,

said frame comprising cross rods and for wardly and rearwardly extended rods connected thereto, and driving mechanism mounted on said shiftable frame and comprising gear wheels and sprocket chains and a rewind clutch.

16. The combination with the music spools of a shifting frame therefor, comprlsing cross rods 5 and 31 running in a direction lengthwise of the music spools and side rods 7 extending between rods 5 and 31, arms 33 and 34 carried by the rod 31 and projecting laterally therefrom, and driving mechanism comprising gearing mounted upon said frame and arms 33 and 34, and sprocket chains cooperating with said gearing.

17. The combination with the music spools of a shifting frame therefor, comprising cross rods 5 and 31 running in a direction lengthwise of said music spools, and side rods 7 extending between rods 5'and 31, arms 33 and 34, carried by the rod 31, and projecting laterally therefrom, and driving mechanism comprising gearing mounted upon said frame and arms 33 and 34 and sprocket chains cooperating with said gearing, and a motor mounted for sliding movementand connected with said rod 31, and having a driving connection with the aforesaid driving mechanism.

18. An instrument of the class specified having a music sheet propelling motor and driving gearing, said motor being mounted for movement in a direction lengthwise of the shafting of said gearing.

19. in a musi al instrument in combination, a fixed box or frame, a tracker board within said bbx, a shiftable frame carried by said box, a pair of music carrying devices and driving gear therefor carried by said shiftable frame, said driving gear including means for reversing the direction of movement of the music, and means for shifting said shiftable frame longitudinally of said tracker board.

20. The combination with the tracker of the motor and driving mechanism therefor, of means for controlling said driving mechanism, the motor being shiftable with a rectilinear motion and. said controlling means being shiftable with the motor.

21. The combination with the tracker of the motor and driving mechanism therefor, of means for controlling said driving mechanism, the motor being shiftable with a rectilinear motion and said controlling means being carried by the motor.

22. An instrument of the class specified having a shiftable motor and also having driving mechanism for the same provided with a rewind. and a pneumatic carried by the motor and having a connection with said driving mechanism for operating the rewind thereof.

23. The combination of a tracker, mechanism for advancing and rewinding the music across the tracker, and means for throwing said mechanism into and out of operative condition, said mechanism and means being mounted for bodily shifting movement relatively to the tracker board.

24. The combination of a tracker, devices for carrying the music sheet, power trans mitting mechanism for actuating said devices, and a clutch mechanism for making connection with said power transmitting mechanism, said power transmitting mechanism and clutch being mounted for shifting movement with said device relatively to and longitudinally of the trackerb ard.

25. An instrument of the class specified having a tracker board and having music carrying and music advancing and rewinding mechanism including means for connect ing with and disconnecting from the rolls, all mounted together in a single unitary structure, which is arranged for sliding movement relatively to the tracker board and longitudinally thereof.

26. An instrument of the class specified having a tracker board and having music carrying and music advancing and rewinding mechanism including means for connecting with and disconnecting from the rolls, all mounted together in a single unitary structure, which is arranged for sliding movement relatively to the tracker board t is and longitudinally thereof, and means for shifting said structure.

27. A musical instrument comprising in combination, a tracker, a music roll motor mounted for bodily shifting movement rela tively to the instrument, a track mounted in the instrument, rollers for supporting said motor above said track, and means for moving said motor.

28. A musical instrument comprising in combination, a music roll motor, a pair of sheet carrying devices, mechanism for driving said devices from said motor, a shiftable frame carrying said motor, said devices and said mechanism, a fixed frame or box in which said shiftable frame is mounted, a tracker board within said box, and means for moving said shiftable frame longitudinally of said tracker board.

29. A musical instrument comprising in combination a fixed tracker board, a tired frame or box surrounding said board, a shiftable frame mounted in said box, music rolls carried by said frame, a motor for driving said rolls connected to said frame, and manually operable mechanism for shifting said frame and motor longitudinally of said board, said mechanism holding said frame and motor rigidly in position between periods of operation.

30. A musical instrument comprising in combination, a fixed tracker board, and a music roll propelling motor mounted for rectilinear movement in a direction longitudinally of said board.

31. A musical instrument comprising in combination, a fixed tracker board, a music roll propelling motor mounted for rectilinear movement in a direction longitudinally of said board, and mechanism for moving said motor capable of holding it rigidly in place between periods of operation.

The combination with the tracker, music spools and motor, of driving mechanism between the spools and motor, said spools and all of said driving mechanism being carried by a shiftin frame, and means for shifting said rame in a direction longitudinally of the tracker board.

33. Tn a music sheet driving mechanism, the combination with the tracker board and its support, of a pair of spaced plates each of which carries two mandrels arranged parallel with the tracker board, the said mandrels carried by the two plates being in alined pairs, connecting rods connecting the plates at their upper and lower ends so as to form a mandrel carrying frame, guides within which said connecting rods may reciprocate relatively to the tracker board, a main driving shaft supported in bearings carried by said mandrel carrying frame, forwarding gearing connecting the main driving shaft and one of the mandrels, said forwarding gearing also being supported by the mandrel carrying .t'ranm, reversing gearing connecting the main driving shaft and another of said mandrels, said reversing gearing also being supported by said mandrcl carrying frame, and means for establishing either forwarding or reversing connection between the main shaft and the man drels. and means for shifting the mandrel carrying, frame bodily parallel with and relatively to the tracker board.

254. The COHllJlIlzltlOll of adjustable devices mounted for bodily movement and capable of relative adjustment, and a fixed pneumatic for adjusting said devices, whereby said adjustment may be accomplished by said pneumatic notwithstanding the bodily movement of said devices as a whole.

$.35. The combination with a tracker, of

music carrying rolls, a motor fordriving said rolls, and gearing for driving said rolls by said motor, said gearing and said rolls being mounted for bodily movement to gether longitudinally of the tracker board.

3(3. The combination with a tracker, of music carrying rolls, a motor for driving said rolls, and gearing for driving said rolls by said motor, said gearing, rolls and motor being mounted for movement longitudinally of the tracker.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this seventh day of December, A. I). 1910.

PAUL B. KLUGH.

Witnesses: J. CLARKE IIAGEY, NELLIE D. ToBI'N. 

